CPR for state could choke environmental protections
by April Vargas

Committee for Green Foothills has been monitoring a process that could dramatically change the entire structure of California government, including state provisions for the implementation and enforcement of vital environmental protections.

Stating his goal to make state government more efficient, Governor Schwarzenegger created the California Performance Review (CPR) in February 2004 to formulate and recommend practical changes to governmental agencies, programs and operations.

The Governor appointed a 21-member commission to conduct a series of hearings throughout the state, gather public input and issue a series of recommendations. Assemblymember Leland Yee, whose 12th District includes a small part of northern San Mateo County, is one of four members of the Legislature chosen to serve on this commission.

I met with Assemblymember Yee recently to learn more about the proposal and understand how it might affect local environmental efforts if it is adopted.

Restructure would eliminate boards and commissions
In August, the CPR released its 2500-page restructure proposal, available online at: http://www.cpr.ca.gov.

The proposal calls for the elimination of 118 boards and commissions as well as the consolidation of existing agencies into 11 integrated "super" departments. Environmental agencies would be greatly impacted by this proposed reorganization.

Individual agencies like the California Air Resources Board, the state and regional water quality control boards, the Board of Forestry, the State Lands Commission and the California Energy Commission would be eliminated. Many of these bodies have established and defended tough environmental standards that have gone on to become national laws. While the California Coastal Commission would remain intact, it would lose its authority to oversee some of its current programs.

Centralized mega-departments would reduce local control
All environmental and natural resource functions would be consolidated within two mega-departments under the Governor, centralizing environmental decision-making in Sacramento and removing the regional accountability, accessibility, independence and effectiveness of local boards and commissions.

This consolidation would make these departments more vulnerable to partisan political pressure, decreasing stability during changes of state administration. Any group regulated by a state agency can appreciate the value of consistent and coherent policies, guidelines and mandated enforcement procedures that are not subject to dramatic shifts when a new Governor is elected.

Environmental groups voice concern
At the CPR hearing held in Fresno this September, numerous environmental groups addressed the commission with concerns about the proposed changes. Representatives from the Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, Planning and Conservation League, The Wilderness Society, Trust for Public Land and others articulated concerns that adoption of the restructuring proposal would actually make it harder to achieve long-range goals for environmental protection and governmental efficiency.

If decision-makers are removed from the community, it would become more difficult to meet the needs of citizens, protect our local environment and address issues with the timely, focused attention and open discussion that occurs at the local level.

Importantly, this consolidation will also reduce the transparency and accessibility of our state government - both functions served largely by these local boards.

Process for adoption and implementation remains uncertain
While no specific process has been established for adoption of the committee's final recommendations, there are several options.

Committee for Green Foothills will continue to follow this issue and will keep our members and action alert subscribers informed about any specific proposals that may impact our efforts to preserve local open space and natural resources.

Published November 2004 in Green Footnotes.

Page last updated September 13, 2010 .